by Furnishly | Aug 15, 2022 | Design Inspiration
A two-story linear volume of concrete and glass, the Toorak Residence cuts a sharp line at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Melbourne, Australia. Created by ADDARC, the 1227 square meter home design communicates a minimalist aesthetic with underlying luxury. Behind the understated exterior, the interior offers a spacious living experience. High-end furniture is installed within a laconic palette of black, charcoal, and deep brown. The depth of color creates a dramatically dark contrast with the sunny terrace. An outdoor living space allows family life to flow easily inside and out. A swimming pool laps at the edge of the patio, cutting a ribbon of blue through a lush modern landscape.
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- Photographer: Shannon McGrath
The modern home exterior peers above a pale concrete boundary, which has the house number debossed on its raw surface. Exterior lights illuminate the feature from dusk.
A bold black gateway stands at the head of a sleek slate pathway.
A blanket of turf grows between the paving stones, rolling out an emerald carpet across the width of the plot.
Neat plant beds trim the base of the concrete boundary, whilst treetops emerge from within the courtyard.
The upper story is a mass of glass that shimmers in the midday sun.
Inside the concrete perimeter, a green vista opens up. The sunlight plays upon the foliage to create changing shadows upon a glossy black entryway.
Within the modern landscape design, repetition is used to create a sense of crisp uniformity and effective contrast.
The pivoting front door is a huge and impressive wooden design. The entryway is decorated dramatically in slatted black japan stained timber and matching black granite floor tiles.
The dark palette continues into the rooms that branch off the hallway. Bright and colorful works of art bring bursts of life to the interior. The extensive art collection includes pieces by Michael Armstrong, Richard Stringer, Dale Frank, Richard Blackwell, Guan Wei, Vera Möller, Morgan Shimeld, Martia Figueiredo, and many more.
The restrained interior palette and forms let finer details come to the forefront. Plant life emerges like bright jewels from the shadows.
Climbers enliven a sharp, contemporary colonnade across the edge of the terrace. The ropes of greenery tie the patio into the lush green landscape that lies beyond.
The terrace is the hub of the home. An outdoor lounge and an al fresco dining area occupy the largest patio, providing ample space for the family and all of their guests.
The lap pool stretches past the length of the main outdoor living space, glowing bright blue with temptingly cool water.
Plant borders feather the edges of the pristine patio area, keeping all spaces close to nature.
Sunlight and shade play through the double-height gallery and onto the landscaped oasis. A covered balcony area echoes the aesthetic on the floor above.
Gray columns and shutters draw strong vertical texture down the home design, armoring it from the elements.
The bold architecture creates a jarring juxtaposition against the gentle folds and flow of nature that flourishes around it.
Monolithic stone installations and sculpted in-situ concrete build a commanding aesthetic that’s filled with intrigue.
In the outdoor living room, high-end furniture cuts contemporary silhouettes against the dark backdrop.
Massive outdoor planters provide beds for thriving shrubs and small trees upon the terrace tiles.
Around the corner, modern sculpture brings in an unexpected moment of whimsy.
Huge glass doors pivot on their axis to provide ventilation through the ground floor of the home. They also open up the side of the house to a pathway of discovery through the pretty landscape.
Away from the open plan living space, smaller, cozy rooms offer moments of solitude. Dark decor envelops plush furnishings, fashioning a timeless appeal.
Objects of interest punctuate the darkness, along with lustrous brass light fixtures. White veins strike across a black marble feature wall like bolts of lighting in the night sky.
In the formal living room, a large white modern sofa contrasts with the black wall decor and granite floor tiles.
The procurement of soft furnishings was made in collaboration with Minotti London. ADDARC designed several large-scale bespoke pieces to correctly fit the space.
White scatter cushions punctuate the charcoal outdoor sofa to brighten the terrace.
The formal dining room is an enormous space. Modern dining chairs seat up to eighteen people. Modern brass light fixtures are paired above the table to properly illuminate its exaggerated length.
Peacock decor is used to form a colorful and lavish dining table centerpiece that is worthy of such a ceremonial space. Parquetry flooring is stained dark to match built-in cabinetry and wall paneling.
A white marble kitchen island and backsplash slice cleanly through the shadowy decor scheme. See more inspiration for marble kitchens.
The luxury bedroom design is a layered masterpiece of curated art and chic furniture. Plush velvet pillows perfectly match a channel tufted end of bed bench in deep petrol blue. The headboard wall complements a stunning book-matched marble fireplace wall.
The master bedroom is separated from the rest of the private bedrooms on the upper floor by a glass bridge. The bridge creates an elevated feature above the home entryway, where sunlight floods in through a translucent veil of clear glass bricks. A custom pendant light draws a sculptural outline in front.
Glass brick walls bring natural light into tight corners and stairwells. They allow a glimpse of the environment outside and the changing weather.
The lower level of the home includes a guest suite, a home theater room, a wine tasting room and cellar, plus a wellness area with a gym, sauna, and steam rooms.
Secluded gardens separate the house from parking facilities.
Cascading ivy tumbles between levels.
Garden follies are planted alongside specially-sourced specimen trees.
Basement floor plan.
Upper floor plan.
Ground floor plan.

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by Furnishly | Aug 8, 2022 | Design Inspiration
In São Paulo, Brazil, a contemporary residence stands bold in sheets of steel, raw concrete and wood. The modern mass is set back from the street, discreetly shielded by corrugated steel gates and tall hedgerows. Created by FCstudio architects, the 424 square metre residence was designed for a couple with two young daughters. To practically accommodate their energised family lifestyle, the main floor of the home is fashioned to flow seamlessly into the garden. This indoor-outdoor functionality keeps everyone connected whilst carrying out their activities. Fully hidden by its solid borders, the garden feels like a quiet, green oasis in the bustling urban landscape.
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- Photographer: André Mortatti
Powder-coated folded steel makes black armour around the modern family residence, forming a solid shield of separation from the public street. A wide parking area spans the front of the house, providing space for multiple vehicles beneath the shade of a huge tree.
The modern home exterior shows exposed concrete walls at its base and a metallic volume above. The metallic container can be fully closed to block sunlight from entering the upper floor. The shutters also offer complete privacy and acoustic isolation.
With the shutters opened, the metal facade bears strategically situated points of ventilation, natural lighting, and shade. The second-story spaces also gain a peaceful view of the rear garden.
The garden at the rear of the house features a small pool, an outdoor lounge, and an alfresco eating area.
The modern landscape design is lush and green with mature trees, shrubs and manicured lawns. A small patio area is home to a couple of outdoor chaise lounge chairs. A larger terrace spans the width of the house and accommodates the outdoor dining room.
An outdoor kitchen is installed alongside the dining set. This fully-equipped station gives the family options for enjoying good weather and fresh air before and during meal times.
At night, the outdoor outdoor chaise lounge chairs on the patio become a place for stargazing and relaxed conversation. The outdoor kitchen and dining area are lit by recessed spotlights in an overhang above and from the warm glow of the home interior.
The outdoor lounge area calls the family close with the inviting flame of a modern fire pit. The perfect cosy spot to unwind at the end of a fun-filled day.
Large stepping stones bed into a narrow lawn that leads from the front driveway to the backyard. This outdoor pathway allows both gardens to be tended to without having to enter the house in between. Corrugated steel panels open up the fenestration on the side of the house to provide cross-ventilation.
Floor tiles inside the house mimic those that are outside to achieve one cohesive flow.
Climbing plants cover the perimeter of the property, creating a peaceful feeling of seclusion.
Inside the home, a raw concrete wall serves as a TV statement wall. Clean white open shelving cuts across the grey expanse, creating crisp contrast.
A modern media unit draws a long line of storage beneath the TV.
A unique lounge chair and matching ottoman make a reading nook by the retractable glass doors.
Nesting coffee tables place mid-century style reuleaux-triangle silhouettes onto a large area rug. A unique sofa and a modern wooden bench form an L-shaped seating arrangement around them. The architects designed the Brasilia coffee table, the Move bench, the Ensamble dining table, and the Box side table.
The indoor kitchen is a rich wood design, which matches the wood tone of the smaller outdoor kitchen.
A peninsula separates the kitchen from the rest of the living room, creating a cosy galley layout.
A door is hung at each end of the galley kitchen to neatly enclose the wooden volume.
Modern wooden dining chairs seat up to six people.
The huge metal shutters on the outside of the building aren’t the only way to control light and privacy in the house. Drapes are installed on recessed, ceiling-mounted tracks.
A concrete staircase design leads down to the basement.
Custom storage units and a home library line the sublevel walls.
The top floor features a small TV lounge, en route to the private bedrooms.
A long clerestory window floods the narrow TV room with light.
The staircase design that leads to the top floor is a single sleeve of suspended steel.
The steel staircase hangs directly above the concrete treads that fall to the basement.
A wall of glass opens up the hallway of the home to the front yard. The folded metal gate creates a visual barrier to the outside world.
The master bedroom features a large walk-in wardrobe behind the headboard wall. Flat-fronted, handle-free doors cleanly line each side.
The master bedroom decor scheme is understated because the view is statement enough.
Walkways on each side of the headboard lead not only into the wardrobe but into his and her bathrooms.
Toy and clothes storage units tuck away under the TV mount.
Ground floor plan.
Upper floor plan.
Basement floor plan.
Roof plan.
3D perspective drawing.
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by Furnishly | Jul 25, 2022 | Design Inspiration
Occupying an enviable plot by the beach on the north coast of São Paulo, The Guaecá Residence was designed to accommodate two families. Created by Belluzzo Martinhao Arquitetos, the two-story dwelling is organised over a 400 square metre area. The architects integrated common spaces and optimised seven private suites to suit the needs of the dual homeowners and their guests. As well as reconciling the extensive program indoors, the exterior of the home became an extension of interactive spaces. The main terrace incorporates a pool and sun deck that is enveloped by a lush landscape of graceful green mountains, whilst a roof terrace offers a spa, fire pit, and far-reaching sea views.
At the front entrance, lazy palm trees loll in the sunlight, on a bed of lush green ground cover. Stonework and slatted wooden panels give the home a cosy appeal. Perforated aluminium sheets clad the building with a stable rust-like corten colour. The material is resistant to the sea breeze from the north coast of São Paulo.
The solid wall of shutters around the upper floor open in a bifold arrangement. They reveal the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that glaze five of the bedrooms. The louvred shutters facilite cross ventilation with privacy. Even whilst in their open position, they are utilised to shield the sleeping quarters from the glare of direct sunshine.
Roof overhangs provide further shading. The projections also bestow the house with a sharp contemporary element that slices into the clear blue Brazilian skies.
A clear glass balustrade runs around the highest roofline, subtly hinting at the recreational area that is at home there. A solarium, spa, and a sociable firepit area await the two families and their guests.
The established greenery helps to meld the modern architecture into the environment.
Around the back of the house, retractable doors span almost the entire width of the building. The doors allow an inner living space to join seamlessly with the sun terrace and swimming pool.
The first view upon entering the home by the front door is the brilliant greenery of the back yard, which peeps through the open risers of a wooden staircase design.
The same stone that characterises the exterior of the building is continued inside of the home to make a striking entryway. The light stonework gives the interior a wonderfully light and rustic feel. Sleek furniture drops in the modern element, whilst decorative vases and sculptures lay down smaller points of interest.
Orange accents create a vibrant visual warmth inside of the large living room design. An orange striped living room rug is complemented by matching scatter cushions on the sofa. A pair of accent leather chairs face two pale beige counterparts to balance the lounge furniture layout.
The double height living room creates connection between the two floors of the home. The dual height void also provides better air circulation and accepts an influx of natural lighting.
A wooden ceiling design adds tropical style and a sense of cosiness to the lofty room. The richness of the wood stain has a visually warming effect on the plain white wall decor, and makes the ceiling appear a little closer. Small pendant lights dangle daintily in the towering expanse.
A unique wooden coffee table takes up the centre spot in the spacious lounge. Two modern planters and a multitude of small sculptures add intriguing adornments. Behind the two modern upholstered lounge chairs, an alcoholic drinks cart is on standby for merriment.
By the sofa, a square end table displays a collection of candles and a decorative tray. Large format floor tiles create a clean, cohesive flow between the lounge and an open plan kitchen diner area. The same tiles spread onto an alfresco entertainment area beside the pool deck.
The glass sided staircase design leads up to the private quarters of the home, including two master bedroom suites and three additional bedrooms.
The second flight of stairs leads to the continuation of the sociable leisure areas on the roof. The rooftop terrace also boasts the best view of the mountain and sea.
At the back of the open layout living room, the kitchen is a modern wooden design with a contrasting black kitchen island.
The kitchen island houses the hob, which allows the cook to chat with his or her guests whilst preparing the meal. The dining bar is lowered to accommodate a regular chair height. Small black kitchen pendant lights neatly flank a sleek stainless steel extractor fan.
Integrated appliances pierce the wooden kitchen design with more bright steel. Geometric kitchen canisters add a flash of pattern on the open kitchen shelving.
Fully equipped for the families hosting needs, the outer kitchen and dining area is generously proportioned. A modern ceiling fan cools the area during hot, sunny days.
The kitchen diner area spills directly onto a decked terrace, where outdoor chaise lounge chairs are situated towards the majestic mountain view.
A small swimming pool is aligned alongside the sun deck for cooling off.
Solar panels are given a portion of the roof.
Ground floor plan, including the social living areas, service areas, the swimming pool, and two bedroom suites.
Upper floor plan, including two large master bedroom suites and three more bedrooms.
Roof terrace.

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by Furnishly | Jul 18, 2022 | Design Inspiration
Inspired by the powerful family ties of the clients and their connection to the environment, the Totoro House concept erases boundaries between living spaces and the garden. Designed by CplusC Architectural Workshop, this design was named after Studio Ghibli’s animated fantasy, My Neighbor Totoro, which explored the importance of such relationships more than three decades ago. To keep these bonds unbroken, the lounge, kitchen, and dining space are merged into one family zone that melts out into the garden. The outdoor space acts as an extension of the living room, including its own cooking area and seating, so that family life can flow freely and contentedly.
The exterior of this unique home design has a distinct space age appeal, synonymous with the futuristic thinking of late 1950’s architecture. An overhanging roof sweeps around the side of the house with a widely curved corner before soaring into the sky as a great angular projection.
The aerodynamic-like roof design shades a single-story build with interesting fenestration. Clerestory windows cut around the full perimeter, crowning walls of glass bifold doors and round feature windows.
At night, the effect is dramatised under warm glowing lights from inside and outside of the home.
The original house on this plot suffered disconnection with the rear garden because of the topography. A new extension was added to bridge the gap that hindered the homeowners, creating an easier transition to the outdoors via a fresh living space. Small patios were added to extend the usable area, like this shady spot with outdoor lounge chairs.
The new outdoor spaces were arranged with the privacy of both the homeowners and their neighbours in mind, ensuring all could continue to enjoy the environment in peace and seclusion with their families.
The roof overhang blurs the margin between indoor and outdoor living spaces, making exterior areas into partially roofed rooms.
The new home extension features a large round window that accepts a wonderfully framed view of the landscape into the living room.
The circular motif is repeated on the face of the building and in a second window behind the outdoor dining room. To achieve the decorative brass cladding with environmentally conscious practice in mind, careful calculations were made in order to cut from only two standardised sheets.
From the exterior, the round window designs are a porthole into the family’s close-knit lifestyle.
The threshold between the architecture and the garden was buffered with the help of a landscape designer. Native plants make soft borders around the patio and climbing plants are intended to lushly envelop the master bedroom facade over time.
Alongside the outdoor dining set, a high-end barbeque stands ready for a cookout underneath a shady pergola.
The new home layout has transformed the formerly gloomy living areas into a single light-filled open-plan space. This free-flowing concept granted the homeowners’ wish to be more united with their children.
The round window concept that frames the garden view was motivated by the traditional Japanese concept of Shakkei. Shakkei is the principle of including background landscape into the composition of a garden, or “borrowed scenery”. In this instance, the large porthole delivers a scene of tranquillity during the school day and a snapshot of fun family activities on evenings and weekends.
The curves of a wingback chair complements the circular window design.
With the glass doors at each side of the room retracted, there is a blissful through-breeze all day, as well as the fresh scents and calming sounds of nature.
The lounge furniture rests on a welcoming white living room rug, providing plush comfort from the hard, tiled living room floor.
The kitchen is visually separated from the lounge by a change in floor height, which allows the parents to oversee their children playing whilst they cook dinner.
Indoor plants are situated along the sills of clerestory windows to strengthen the link with the garden.
Steps climb the circular kitchen diner setting on both sides, facilitating easy movement around the main living space for multiple family members undertaking different tasks.
Fluted panels add modern texture to the wooden kitchen design.
In the bedroom, part of the round window was made operable to permit natural ventilation. The curved frame serves as a fun window seat for the children.
Two layers of blinds provide control over the level of light and privacy.
In the master bedroom, a pocket door slides away to reveal an ensuite shower space design.
Moving from the shower area, we come to a unique bathroom sink beneath a frameless vanity mirror. The walls of the ensuite bathroom are clad with vertical subway tiles, which makes the room appear taller.
All the original areas of the home have been upgraded to fit with the new extension, including the modern landscape design.
The new spaces have improved family life and fun.
Careful consideration has been given to the use of materials in the design of Totoro House, with many existing materials reused and repurposed to reduce waste.
This design ethos coincides with the sustainable lifestyle of the family.
Daily environmental impact has also been reduced by including an 8000L rainwater tank.
A 3kW photovoltaic system was also installed to power the home with solar.
The solar store powers exterior lights long into the night.
On the floor plan, we can see the relationship between the private bedroom quarters of the original house, the new open-plan living room extension, and the garden.
Here is an atypical house tour that does not use music to prop up the visuals, instead it embraces the natural sounds in the house’s setting.
Check out the home tour video:
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by Furnishly | Jun 27, 2022 | Design Inspiration
Located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this chic contemporary home interior project is entitled “Living Curve” in response to its elegantly arched ceiling shape and arched interior details. Designed by Pins Studio, a blanket of white drapes the entire interior to create a peaceful visual. Black accents strike a contrasting balance in the decor scheme, whilst natural wood furniture pieces introduce visual warmth and texture. Measuring 1707 square feet, the home features a generously proportioned open plan living space, a welcoming home office/craft room, a stylish master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, an impressive bathroom design clad in luxurious marble tile, and a cosy kids’ room.
The living room conveys an open and ethereal aesthetic. It is a place where music plays and the family spends quality time together in hobbies and relaxation.
The open layout is entirely unobstructed. There are no structural support pillars or partially dividing walls to interrupt the easy flow of the space. Natural light from the large windows floods the room from front to back.
A white sectional sofa is aligned with the edge of a grey living room rug to fashion a lounge area within the open concept living space. A small side table and white knitted pouf expand upon the white furniture theme, whilst a wooden coffee table offers a visually warm contrast at the centre of the space.
A small indoor plant makes a simple coffee table centrepiece. An upholstered lounge chair rounds out the furniture arrangement in a tan colour that complements the wooden table.
Opposite the modern sofa, the tv wall decor is composed of slatted panels that not only look beautiful but help with the acoustics in the room too.
Greige drapes frame the living room windows, whilst sheer white voiles softly filter direct sunlight, offer privacy, and billow prettily in the breeze from the balcony. A modern white ceiling fan cools the living room from the inside. See more inspiration for unique ceiling fans.
A stunning white grand piano is housed at the back of the space. Minimalist art and a floor planter provide quiet decor for the piano room, leaving all eyes on the pianist.
The kitchen diner runs perpendicular to the lounge and piano areas to promote family interactions.
The dining table is smoothly integrated into the kitchen island, where its wooden table top is sandwiched beneath a thick marble slab. The kitchen sink looks out upon the living room so that the cook can chat with the family during food prep tasks.
A modern dining chandelier hangs low to the dining table. Black track lights cross the rest of the room, dispersing even illumination from directional heads.
The side of the kitchen island features a spectacular marble grain that paints an artistic essence. The marble island is matched by the kitchen backsplash on the neighbouring wall and a coordinating wall treatment by the entryway.
The gold kitchen tap is matched by a boiling water tap on the island, making hot beverages a breeze.
An attractive, black-framed archway marks the entryway into the home office/craft room, where the children of the family like to spend time whilst their parents cook.
A wine cooler is situated in the base of the kitchen island, within close proximity of the dining table.
Inside the home office, two workspaces are arranged side by side to encourage collaboration. See more double workspaces.
Home office storage units provide both concealed storage space and open shelving units for more decorative elements.
Pegboard panels hold office and craft supplies within easy reach. A small desk lamp provides task lighting and a welcoming glow.
Inside the master bedroom, a unique winged headboard wall is created with a curvaceous grey wraparound and a smaller white marble panel. The effect is modern and luxurious, and makes the sleep area feel protected and cosy.
Beige headboard cushions and a matching beige throw make a warm and earthy tonal addition to the platform bed.
A small table lamp rests a gold accent on a modern bedside table. Gold fixtures scatter more lustrous gold moments across the serene grey, beige and white decor scheme.
Over by the bedroom window, a modern desk makes a home workspace where the adults of the family can get away to concentrate in complete quiet.
A slender designer table lamp is complemented by the lightweight black metal framework of a modern desk chair.
The master bedroom boasts a spacious walk-in wardrobe that features fixtures on each side of the room and a floor-to-ceiling window.
Ribbons of LED light brightly illuminate golden closet rails and bag shelves.
The gleaming fixtures present a boutique look in which to store a carefully curated fashion collection.
A woven pouf provides a place to sit whilst trying on shoes.
The bathroom is a luxurious spot, clad in clean white marble tiles from top to bottom. A natural wooden stool and a wooden clothes hanger add comforting touches of natural tone.
A beautiful bathtub is situated beside the window, where the homeowners can bask in both bubbles and sunlight.
A double sink vanity unit stretches the length of the room, beneath an expanse of mirrored wall units.
In the kid’s room, modern wall sconces light up each side of the bed, making a perfect spot for story time.
A trendy chevron headboard design brings pattern to the room.
Kids’ wardrobes feature chunky handles for little hands.
Check out the home tour video:
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Recommended Reading: All-White Interior Design: Tips With Example Images To Help You Get It Right
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